The UAE has taken a decisive step toward protecting children in the digital age with the inaugural meeting of the Child Digital Safety Council, marking the launch of a coordinated national framework designed to ensure online safety and promote balanced development in the digital environment. The Council brings together key entities under a collaborative structure aimed at unifying regulatory, policy, and awareness initiatives for children’s digital protection.
At the meeting, the Council defined its competencies and adopted a governance framework along with operational mechanisms to clarify roles and responsibilities. The approach merges regulatory safeguards with awareness initiatives, in alignment with the Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety.
Sana Suhail, Minister of Family and Chair of the Child Digital Safety Council, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
“In line with the directives of our wise leadership to protect families and children, this meeting marks a pivotal step towards creating an integrated national framework. Our aim is not only to shield children from growing digital risks but also to empower them to harness the vast opportunities of the digital space, thereby strengthening family bonds and contributing to social prosperity.”
She added, “The Council is working to forge a genuine partnership between government entities, digital service providers, and the community to ensure a safe and thriving digital environment that contributes to building strong generations rooted in enduring national values. This serves as a genuine investment in the safety of future generations and the quality of their digital lives.”
A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to develop a national classification system for digital platforms. This system will assess risk levels, content type, and age suitability, while ensuring privacy protection, safe usage standards, and safeguarding children’s digital rights. Social media platforms have been identified as the first priority for the Council’s focus, with studies planned to balance protection requirements, provider responsibilities, and family oversight.
Officials stressed that effective digital safety depends on a clearly defined distribution of responsibilities among service providers, caregivers, and families. Awareness was highlighted as a central pillar of the framework, with initiatives set to support campaigns, equip families with digital safety tools, promote children’s digital rights, and encourage responsible online behavior.
The Council will submit the outcomes of this initial phase to the Education and Human Resources Council for review and approval, ensuring alignment with broader national childhood and family policies. Moving forward, the Council will continue its work through regular meetings and specialized workstreams in coordination with federal and local authorities and strategic partners, aiming to establish a comprehensive digital safety ecosystem that enhances child protection, supports families, and promotes positive, responsible technology use.
The inaugural meeting was attended by senior representatives from key government entities, including the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Prevention, National Media Authority, Federal Public Prosecution, Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Community Development Authority in Dubai, and the Child Safety Department in Sharjah.
The formation of the Child Digital Safety Council follows the establishment of the Ministry of Family in December 2024, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Ministry is tasked with developing policies, strategies, and legislation to strengthen family cohesion, reinforce national identity, promote positive societal values, and address challenges including family stability and demographic sustainability.
This initiative demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to creating a safe and empowering digital environment for children, ensuring that the next generation can thrive responsibly in an increasingly connected world.
